Traditionally, the Okpu Uvie or Okpu Ndi Ichie (Red Cap) & Akwa Ocha (White Cloth) was given to the men of the noble in Igbo. Nze Na Ozo society (Northern Igboland)
The red represents the fire of ágbàrà (spirit of justice) which operates below the high God; Chineke in igbo religion (Odinala)
It is therefore a scared cap and the wearer is required to be honest at all times (Politicians takia nu note).
The white cloth represents purity.
Nri & Isu migrants carried Nze Na Ozo customs to Anioma ( Igbo) where the Akwa Ocha & Okpu uvie still retain its originality & ancient importance.
Important to note here that the Bini influence in Anioma is simply as a result of Anioma’s proximity to Bini. Here’s how; Ndi Igbo who migrated & settled near Bini in ancient times are no different to Ndi Igbo who migrant to Lagos or Obodo Oyibo today (Mind you, ancient Bini was like the Lagos of that time). So, just as Igbo-Americans & Igbo-Lagosians might be culturally influenced by American culture to a certain degree or even intermarry with White/Black Americans or native Lagosians , it does NOT change the fact that they’re Ndi Igbo.
In ancient times, the Oba of Bini was so concerned about all the Igbos settling near his boarders, so he sent his princes & some cadet members of the Bini Royal court to keep the migrants in check.
With the decline of Bini influence & power, the Igbo settlers continued the practice of kingship but the Igbo Kings became known as Obi (till date).
Obviously, they still retain aspects of Bini Royal court customs but does not change the fact that they take Nze Na Ozo title till date, are MOSTLY descended from Igbo settlers, live in Igbo towns & villages, have Igbo names & speak a dialect of Igbo language.
Anyway, to create a universal Igbo identity, attires associated with various Igbo title societies were merged and adopted by all Igbos. Although, non-titled men shouldn’t attach eagle feather to their hat…..Seê _ Morê
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